HYDERABAD: The police force in Andhra Pradesh is gearing up to launch an offensive against Left wing extremists.

The police top brass has conveyed to Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy that it was prepared to launch `hot-pursuit' of the naxalites in tune with the Centre's suggestion.

Dr. Reddy will meet the Chief Secretary, Mohan Kanda, the Director-General of Police, Swaranjit Sen, the Additional DG (Intelligence), K. Aravinda Rao, and other police officers on Friday to address the safety concerns of political leaders.

Security for VIPs

A list of MLAs, MPs and other important leaders of all political parties who may need additional security in the wake of the recent developments and the proposed offensive, is being prepared by the police for his perusal.

Security for the former Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, a `Z Plus' category protectee, his former Cabinet colleagues, all former and present MLAs of the TDP and its important functionaries along with those of the Congress, Telangana Rashtra Samithi and the BJP are top on the agenda. The police have been directed not to harm innocent villagers or journalists in the name of anti-naxal operations.

Dr. Reddy also warned the police not to book cases under Section 8-2 of the Andhra Pradesh Special Police Act against civilians for providing shelter, food or water for naxalites as happened in the past.He expressed satisfaction at the withdrawal of 1,000 such cases against 2,000 persons, mostly tribals, recently following his instructions.

Naxal areas

It is estimated that Nallamalla, a 12,000-sq.km forest area surrounded by Kurnool, Mahabubnagar, Prakasam and Guntur districts, is presently the home for 60 important naxal leaders and their guards. Some 200 naxalites are taking shelter in the Nallamala region and districts surrounding it.

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